Commissioners delay dike MOU, debate salary

Wahkiakum County commissioners handled business ranging from setback dike access to

deferred action on an agreement to use the setback dike when they met Tuesday.

Commissioners deferred action on a proposed memorandum of understanding with the US Fish and Wildlife Service for county access to the new setback dike on the Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge.

The memorandum spells out emergency access for county access--county vehicles would have access in emergency situations. However, use was to be governed by a US Army Corps of Engineers operations manual which hasn't yet been printed, and that troubled commissioners.

"I'm loath to sign it till we have all the documents," said Commissioner Blair Brady.

Commissioners Mike Backman and Dan Cothren agreed, and the board, by consensus, deferred action until the operations manual is available for review.

At the request of Brady, Assessor Bill Coons joined the meeting, and he and the board debated whether or not he has authority to adjust his budget to give his new appraiser a salary increase.

Before Coons hired the appraiser, he told the board he wanted to increase the appraiser's salary because of the man's long experience and certification as a commercial appraiser, which the department has lacked. The board rejected the request, and the new appraiser was hired at the budgeted salary.

Now, Brady said, Coons is allowing the appraiser to work from home, something which isn't permitted under the county's contract with its union.

Coons said both he and the appraiser use flash drives to take data home where they have been doing office work. Coons said he had been a telecommuter for years before becoming assessor, and, "It's a very common work arrangement."

Brady said there are also security concerns, for a virus on a home computer could be carried back to the county's computer network.

"There's also opportunity for abuse (of time)," Brady said. "When I have an attorney recommending against it, I'm not going to go that way."

Coons said he, too, would like to have legal advice on the matter.

"Talk to (Prosecuting Attorney) Dan Bigelow," Brady said.

Commissioner Cothren commented that the issue of working at home has been addressed before and not allowed.

"I need to get more information," Cothren said.

"I'm willing to look at it, but not now," Brady said.

As for the compensation issue, Brady said the board had agreed that compensation should be at the current rate.

"That's what I agreed to," Cothren said.

Coons said he would make a formal proposal.

"I look forward to your official request," Brady said.